Comments on: Makita 7-1/4″ Hypoid Saw

By: Toolmonger » Blog Archive » Magnesium Makitas

Toolmonger » Blog Archive » Magnesium Makitas — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 17:04:09 +0000

[...] covered Makita’s hypoid 7 1/4″ circular saw back in June, but there’s another feature in [...]

By: john T

john T — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 00:47:43 +0000

Hypoid gears are stronger and more durable than worm drive gears. That is why many companies have switched. I find the Makita Hypoids much lighter and stronger cutting than the Skil HD77’s of late.

By: fred

fred — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 22:44:50 +0000

I was in a local Lowes today. They’re selling the Skill 77 for $149 and the Mag77 for $169

By: fred

fred — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 13:18:25 +0000

We’ve been using Skil 77’s - some magnesium versions - some with Bigfoot conversions. I think all ours were the made in US versions - now I believe they are being made in China. All this said - a hypoid saw like this Makita, is presumably not a strong as as a worm-gear (e.g. Skill 77’s) - but that may be a very fine point unless you are gang cutting or trying to use a 10-1/2 inch blade (e.g. Bigfoot).

Another consideration is that I think I’ve seen som pretty sweet deals on the Skil at either Lowes or HD.

By: Bob The Drywall Guy

Bob The Drywall Guy — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 04:48:26 +0000

I’ve had this saw for over a year now. it’s a great little toy that’s a fair bit lighter then comparable models. I checked out. The built in skyhook on the right side is nice for hanging it off stuff.

It bogged down on me a few times at first, but I wasn’t very kind to the inital blade. Picked up a couple freud blades and haven’t had much trouble since.

It’s a good solid workhorse saw, and well worth what I spent on it. ($189 Cdn last year)

By: kyle

kyle — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 14:39:06 +0000

sounds like a great saw- i want one!

By: Bill

Bill — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 01:56:24 +0000

These are great as a second saw on the job as they’re “left handed”.

By: Steve W.

Steve W. — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 23:05:27 +0000

We sold Makita hypoid gear saws at Builders Square back in 1986 or ‘87. Not too many people wanted one.

By: CJD

CJD — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 22:24:36 +0000

I don’t know too much about these hypoid saw’s, but for the price and reliability/ durability all you need is a Skil HD77. I’m 34 and i’m still using my father’s old saw.

By: JRuiz

JRuiz — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 20:13:34 +0000

I have been looking for a new circular saw. I was leaning towards a Milwaukee 6394-21 but this new Makita sounds like a very good option. I like the no maintenance part.

By: jeffrey immer

jeffrey immer — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 19:52:48 +0000

so i bought this saw about 2 months ago from amazon (well slight upgrade) then found out Amazon will not send tools to an Army Post Office, so after sending it to my wife and her sending it to me i got it. and i love it. i bought the magnesuim one, it has a nice solid, molded table. and it’s decked out with some chrome trim reminds me of a 1950’s Cadillac. power is great and on the off chance it gets bogged down (i was ripping a 4×4 in half 16′ long, don’t ask) instead of a elbow jerking kick back it sort of revs out like if you have the clutch set to low on a cordless drill. in comparision to the craftsmen hypoid we have (also magnesuim) this is slightly heavier less than a pound but has a much more durable table the craftsmen bent and the depth lock handle broke, the safety cover handle broke, and these tools are in no way abused if they fall it’s no more than 2′
the only complaint i really have is the rip fence, the half assed attempt that was available from makita was subpar at best and they should have paid me to take it off their hands, but the thing that really got me and gets when saw manufacters do this is they did not provide a set screw for the hole they provide, besides that i really love this saw.